The Syrian Expatriates Organization (SEO) Stands with the People of Deir Ezzor Province, Condemns Massacre of Over 70 Civilians by the Assad Army

Share Article

The Syrian Expatriates Organization (SEO) expresses its grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the city of Deir Ezzor in the east of Syria.

Boy Walks through the rubble of a bombed out area in Deir Ezzor, Syria

Washington, DC (PRWEB)October 25, 2012

The Syrian Expatriates Organization (SEO) expresses its grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the city of Deir Ezzor in the east of Syria. "This region has been effectively cut off from communications, media coverage, and basic human necessities as a result of the Assad army’s unrelenting airstrikes and military blockades for over 130 days,” Syrian activist from Deir Ezzor, WIsam Al-Araby, told SEO. “This has led to the displacement of the majority of its people, in addition to extensive damages of the infrastructure, hospitals, schools, highways, houses and public buildings,’ said Al-Araby.

According to the “Center for Documentation of Violations in Syria" over 2357 have been killed in Deir Ezzor since the start of the revolution.
http://vdc-sy.org/index.php/en/

Rich in natural resources and agriculture and containing the majority of Syrian’s oil reserves, Deir Ezzor has been deliberately suppressed by the Assad regime economically and socially. In addition, Deir Ezzor was suffering from a depressed economy and a devastating drought pre-revolution. Situated on the banks of the Euphrates River and sharing a border with Iraq, it possesses a largely Sunni-Arab demographic and is dominated by tribal loyalties. Two of the highest-ranking defections to date were by former Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab, and former Syrian Ambassador to Iraq Nawaf Fares, both hailing from Deir Ezzor.

"The people of Deir Ezzor continue to face bombardment and persecution by the Assad regime while being denied the ability to tell the story of their suffering because of lack of communications equipment and the ramifications of near constant military attacks,” said Rasha Othman, SEO Communications Director. “We urge international humanitarian organizations and the Syrian opposition to do all within their power to help aid reach the city of Deir Ezzor, as the situation is now beyond catastrophic proportions. We understand the people of Deir Ezzor feel abandoned by the Syrian opposition and the world,” said Othman. "While we realize all of Syria is under siege, it is critical to impart a sense that each city is being treated equally in terms of humanitarian efforts. To date, little to no aid has reached Deir Ezzor. SEO stands with the people of Deir Ezzor. We recognize their acute suffering, and the suffering of all Syrians. We will do whatever is needed to raise awareness and help expedite aid to areas that are most in need."